Zhao Mian, having temporarily gained the upper hand in his subtle power struggle with the young prince of Beiyuan, returned to the Zhu residence feeling refreshed and delighted, only to find an even more pleasant surprise awaiting him.

Zhu Guangshen informed him, “Your Highness, two secret edicts from Shangjing arrived just half an hour ago. I have placed them on the desk in your study.”

Zhao Mian was taken aback, the corners of his mouth uncontrollably rising, revealing a smile that could only be described as radiant.

Even Zhu Guangshen, who had seen much in his day, couldn’t help but be stunned by this smile.

The Crown Prince was usually dignified and composed, aloof and refined, always making people forget that he was just a young man who hadn’t even reached twenty years of age.

Zhao Mian strode quickly towards the study, the last few steps almost a jog.

Two secret letters were placed on the desk, one from his Imperial Father and the other from the Prime Minister. Zhao Mian eagerly tore open the one from his father first.

His father’s handwriting was still as childish as ever. Even at nearly forty years old, his handwriting hadn’t changed in decades, no different than a young child just learning to write.

His father had filled five pages with sprawling characters, all about trivial, everyday matters.

“A chef from Beiyuan has recently joined the Imperial Kitchen, and he makes authentic Shengjing cuisine. I tasted it, and it was authentically awful.”

“The Prime Minister has been working tirelessly lately, burning the midnight oil, but he still made time to accompany me. Your grandmother and younger brother spent the Mid-Autumn Festival together, but unfortunately you weren’t here. Your grandmother is always thinking of you, urging you to return before the end of the year.”

“Your younger brother has grown taller again.”

Finally, his father also urged him in the letter to be extremely, absolutely, and utterly careful in the territory of Dongling.

“A place like Dongling, which likes to research biochemical weapons, is too dangerous and too insidious. I don’t know how many heroes, talented ministers, and capable generals have been ambushed there. Mianmian, you must not follow in (crossed out) my (crossed out) their footsteps!”

Rather than a secret edict from the emperor to the crown prince, it was more like a letter from a father to his child.

It seemed that his father still didn’t know of the Gu that had implanted in him after being picked by Wan Huameng. The Prime Minister probably didn’t want his father to worry, so he hadn’t told him.

He agreed with the Prime Minister’s decision. If his father knew about this, his worry might lead him to do something irrational, perhaps even launching a reckless personal campaign to conquer Dongling.

Counting the days, he had been away from home for half a year, and he had missed the Mid-Autumn Festival reunion.

Zhao Mian read it several times, a warmth spreading through his chest. Through the ink-scented letter, he seemed to see his father smiling and chatting with him.

Reluctantly, Zhao Mian put down his father’s letter and picked up the Prime Minister’s letter, his smile fading as he focused intently on the words.

The Prime Minister’s handwriting was strong and vigorous, and the content of the letter was concise and to the point. The thin sheet of paper mainly talked about the matter of him being infected with the male and female Gu.

The Prime Minister agreed to let him try to resolve the poisoning himself first, but also emphasized:

“If you cannot, do not be stubborn. This minister has a plan to obtain the antidote.”

“I hope Your Highness will prioritize your own well-being above all else.”

It was clearly the tone of the Prime Minister of a country speaking to the Crown Prince of a nation, except for the last sentence of the letter:

“Come back soon. Your Father Emperor misses you very much.”

After reading the letter, Zhao Mian felt as if he had taken a reassurance pill, completely putting his mind at ease.

With the Prime Minister as his ultimate safeguard, what did he have to fear?

After nightfall, an autumn rain began to fall in the capital, adding a touch of coolness. In another half a month, the capital should be entering winter.

The night rain pattered, the banana leaves rustled, and the tea cauldron warmed the room. Inside the study, a bright lamp was lit, emitting a hazy glow in the darkness, like a star guiding a traveler home.

Finishing the last character, the brush fell. The youth, bathed in candlelight, raised his head, gazing at the almanac on the desk, listening to the rain pattering against the banana leaves, lost in thought.

The fifteenth day of the current month was circled with a pen on the almanac.

Only ten days remained until the grand wedding day Wan Huameng had arranged for him and Wei Zhenfeng. He had little time left. Since Wei Zhenfeng had already submitted to him, there was no need to waste any more time on Wei Zhenfeng.

The immediate priority was to eliminate Wan Huameng first. And Wei Zhenfeng, along with the Fuxue Tower behind him, would obviously become a good source of assistance.

As long as Wei Zhenfeng and the Fuxue Tower behaved themselves, he could reluctantly put aside their past grievances for the time being and discuss important matters with them.

He arrived at the same time as yesterday, but Wei Zhenfeng was not leisurely grilling fish in the courtyard as he had been yesterday. Instead, he was listlessly eating plain noodles in clear broth. His eyelids lowered, his expression listless, looking as if he hadn’t slept well all night and had a poor appetite.

Truly, the heavens ensure you reap what you sow.

Back then, when he was forced to kneel by Wei Zhenfeng, he also hadn’t slept a wink, filled with anger, resentment, and exhaustion. He even scrubbed himself with all his might when bathing, and the red marks remained for several days.

Now that he saw Wei Zhenfeng looking almost as miserable as he had been back then, he felt relieved.

Seeing Zhao Mian arrive uninvited, Wei Zhenfeng said mockingly, “You come here every day. Aren’t you afraid people will think you’re that strange man with peculiar tastes, keeping me as a mistress?”

“I’m not afraid.” Zhao Mian glanced at the veiled hat Zhou Huairang was holding for him. He had been wearing it before entering, “I’m not stupid. I covered my face.”

Wei Zhenfeng was speechless for a moment.

The young master was dressed today in another set of magnificent apricot-orange robes, with a cinched waist and wide sleeves. He looked like the moon through the mist, otherworldly and pleasing to the eye, yet also infuriatingly perfect.

Zhao Mian sat upright in the main seat, seeing Wei Zhenfeng staring at him intently with a probing gaze, and said, “Does Beiyuan have no concept of hospitality? What are you standing there for? Make tea.”

Wei Zhenfeng walked up to him, casually picked up the dragon-headed teapot from the table, and began pouring tea. “I know you people are the most versed in etiquette. What goes around comes around. I’ve already announced my origins; shouldn’t you reciprocate?”

Zhao Mian’s mind raced. If Wei Zhenfeng wanted to play, he wouldn’t mind playing along. Maybe he could even extract some information he didn’t know.

“Lineage, you say… You’ve been working by my side for so long; you should have some guesses already.” He took the teacup Wei Zhenfeng offered, lowered his head, and gently blew on it. “Tell me, what’s your guess? I’m all ears.”

Wei Zhenfeng stood in front of him, looking him up and down with a thoughtful expression.

Zhao Mian thought expressionlessly, Wei Zhenfeng always said he liked to put on airs, but he was the one putting on the most airs.

Wei Zhenfeng pondered for a moment, then suddenly snapped his fingers: “Got it.”

Zhao Mian: “Say it.”

Wei Zhenfeng said, “You’re good-looking, and your subordinates are all handsome and beautiful. Nanjing has always been known for its beauties. I’m guessing you’re from Nanjing.”

Zhao Mian was used to arguing with Wei Zhenfeng. Every time Wei Zhenfeng unexpectedly complimented him, he felt a little awkward. “We don’t exactly have a good relationship. Don’t keep praising me.”

Wei Zhenfeng was baffled: “Did I praise you?”

Zhao Mian turned his face away. “Continue.”

Wei Zhenfeng strolled leisurely around the room. “Besides their looks, their skills are also top-notch, especially that brother surnamed Shen. Ordinary, small families can’t afford such guards. Furthermore, those magnificent robes you’re wearing are clearly worth a fortune. The jade belt cinching your waist alone is priceless. Therefore…”

Wei Zhenfeng stopped walking and faced Zhao Mian directly, asking: “The four most famous and powerful noble clans in Nanjing: Xiao, He, Rong, and Li – which family’s young master are you?”

Zhao Mian indifferently took a sip of tea, remaining noncommittal.

Wei Zhenfeng placed both hands on the armrests on either side of Zhao Mian’s chair, leaned closer to him, and lowered his gaze, saying: “Or perhaps none of those are correct, and your surname is… Zhao?”

Zhao Mian used his elbow, the one holding the teacup to push the dark-skinned man away, raising his eyes to meet his gaze.

Having known each other for only a few fleeting days in their eighteenth year, a tacit understanding flickered in their eyes.

At this moment, the two finally reached an agreement – certain matters would be put aside for now, and everything would be prioritized to break the Gu poison. The remaining debts could be settled later.

“Are you done playing?” Zhao Mian said calmly, “If you’re done, let’s talk business.”

Wei Zhenfeng chuckled. “I am.” He sat down beside Zhao Mian, his tone shifting instantly. “Last time, Yun Yong and Hua Ju broke into the Nangong Palace at night. Although the result was a hasty retreat, they did gain some information.”

Zhao Mian asked: “What did you gain?”

Wei Zhenfeng said, “That the Nangong Palace is as large as a maze, full of traps and poisonous Gu. We absolutely cannot attack head-on, we must use our wits.”

Zhao Mian frowned. “If you keep talking nonsense believe me, I’ll shove this teapot up your…”

“How about we make a move on the twelfth of this month?”

Zhao Mian paused, reacting quickly. “Why the twelfth?”

“Because on this day, Jia Huai, the former Grand Secretary of Dongling who has retired and returned to his hometown, will arrive in the capital to petition the Empress Dowager along with those Dongling officials in the capital who are dissatisfied with Wan Huameng. No matter how capable Wan Huameng is, he will be overwhelmed when a group of ministers jointly remonstrates. The Nangong Palace will be ripe for a sneak attack then.

When Wei Zhenfeng talked about serious matters, he was like a different person, speaking methodically and analytically. Zhao Mian looked at him and actually felt that the dark skin was not so unbearable after all.

Zhao Mian had also heard of Jia Huai. A veteran of three dynasties, a learned Confucian scholar, he commanded respect and influence among the scholars of Dongling. Even the Empress Dowager of Dongling had to give him some leeway.

Zhao Mian asked: “Was Jia Huai your doing as well?”

Wei Zhenfeng smiled: “Wan Huameng is asking for trouble. I merely fanned the flames a little. Actually, infiltrating the Nangong Palace isn’t difficult. The hard part is that the Nangong Palace is so large, where should we look for the antidote? I was still worried about this, but now that I have you, I guess I don’t have to worry about it anymore, right?”

Zhao Mian hummed in agreement.

He trusted that Bai Yu would not let him down.

As luck would have it, Bai Yu returned to report to him right after Zhao Mian finished discussing with Wei Zhenfeng.

Bai Yu was the daughter of a physician in the Nanjing imperial court. She had studied medicine since childhood and excelled in her studies, surpassing any son of a noble family. However, because she was a woman, she possessed a pair of miraculous healing hands but was confined to the depths of the courtyard, forced to spend her days with the teachings of women and needlework.

When the Emperor heard about this, he summoned her to the palace in the Empress Dowager’s name, and asked her with a smile if she would like to study with several old imperial physicians for a few more years, and then serve His Highness the Crown Prince in his palace: “The Prince already has two trusted aides, one skilled in literature and one in martial arts, both younger than you.”

“If you go to the Crown Prince’s palace, you’ll be their eldest sister.”

Bai Yu was naturally overjoyed and readily agreed.

She entered the palace at sixteen and the Crown Prince’s palace at twenty. Now, she has been by His Highness the Crown Prince’s side for eight years.

Influenced by the Emperor, His Highness was known for his gentle demeanor, not only towards her but even towards the palace maids of his palace. He would occasionally scold Zhou Huairang for being clumsy and criticize Shen Buci for being too quiet, but he had never said anything negative about her.

This time, during their journey east, she had originally been by His Highness’s side, responsible for taking care of his health. When passing through Chongzhou, His Highness heard of a reclusive physician in the deep mountains, whose medical skills were said to be the best in Dongling, capable of reviving the dead and restoring flesh to bones. His Highness then sent her to visit him, seeking a remedy for one of his teachers who was frail and sickly.

Unexpectedly, in just a few days of her absence, the Prince was inadvertently poisoned by Wan Huameng’s Gu. If an antidote couldn’t be found, he would have to share a bed with some random person, which was truly outrageous.

Upon hearing the news, she wanted to rush back to the Prince’s side immediately, but she knew very well that if it was really Wan Huameng’s poison, even if she returned it would be useless. It was better to first sneak into the Nangong Palace first to look for clues to the antidote for the Prince.

“Young Master,” Bai Yu said, giving Zhao Mian a hasty bow, and without waiting for Zhao Mian to say “You may rise,” she impatiently walked up to him. “Quick, let me see your hand.”

After discovering that he had been poisoned, Zhao Mian, in order to hide that he was the unlucky victim, had not yet consulted any of the famous local doctors of Dongling. He didn’t trust anyone else and preferred to delay things for a few days to wait for Bai Yu to return.

Zhao Mian lifted his sleeve and extended his hand towards Bai Yu. “You returned in such a hurry. Have you eaten?”

“This subordinate is not hungry.” Bai Yu saw the scarlet red line on Zhao Mian’s wrist, and her eyes felt like they were pierced by needles. Her brow furrowed, and she quickly placed two fingers on his pulse.

“That means you haven’t eaten.” Zhao Mian called for Shen Buqi. “Make some simple food.”

Shen Buqi nodded and turned to go to the kitchen to cook.

After taking his pulse, Bai Yu’s expression was grave: “This is indeed Wan Huameng’s work.”

Zhao Mian scoffed: “Who else could it be?”

“Does Young Master have any discomfort now?”

Zhao Mian shook his head. “No.” He thought for a moment, then added, “However, I’ve recently been experiencing chest tightness and shortness of breath, a loss of appetite, and I can’t seem to control my temper. I don’t know if it’s the Gu poison acting up.”

Bai Yu pondered for a moment, then asked: “Could it be that Young Master has been angered by someone?”

Suddenly, an arm appeared abruptly in front of Bai Yu’s eyes: “Please also take a look at me, Miss.”

Only then did Bai Yu realize that there was a man standing beside His Highness that she had never seen before. His appearance was unremarkable, but his aura was surprisingly outstanding. “And you are?”

The man replied politely, “I’m the unlucky fellow who was poisoned by the Gu along with your young master.”

Bai Yu was instantly stunned, looking at the distinct contrast between the two men, she almost choked.

Seeing this, Zhou Huairang quickly handed the elder sister who had watched them grow up, a cup of tea: “Divine Physician Bai, hang in there!”

Bai Yu drank two whole cups of tea before calming down slightly, looking at Zhao Mian, hesitant to speak.

Zhao Mian said: “Speak frankly.”

Bai Yu sighed deeply, and said: “Young Master, you must understand, the male and female Gu is not an aphrodisiac.”

Zhao Mian frowned: “What do you mean by that?”

Of course, he knew the male and female Gu worms weren’t aphrodisiacs. Aphrodisiacs don’t kill people, but the Gu do.

Bai Yu explained, “What I mean is, the Gu poison doesn’t have any aphrodisiac effects.”

Zhao Mian still didn’t quite understand, but he couldn’t ask again, or he’d seem unintelligent. “Continue.”

“The Gu poison won’t make you lose your reason, nor will it cause any… reactions. Those infected must be conscious and rely on their own strength to do that thing.”

For the first time, Zhao Mian and Wei Zhenfeng wore the same expression at the same moment.

An indescribable, complex expression, with a hint of wanting to kill someone.

Zhao Mian completely lost the will to speak. Wei Zhenfeng was slightly better. He coughed twice and asked, “According to you, what if… I mean, what if the afflicted are both men, and have absolutely no feelings for each other?”

Bai Yu parted her red lips slightly. “Without an antidote, it’s either hard, or death.”

Wei Zhenfeng: “…”

Zhao Mian: “…”

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Whoever succeeds first gets to be the top (doge)